Providing alternative representations of virtual content in a virtual universe

ABSTRACT

An invention for automatically reducing a load on a server functioning with a virtual universe is provided. In one embodiment, there is an alternative representation tool, including a detection component configured to detect a load on a server, and a determination component configured to determine whether the load on the server exceeds a predefined threshold. The alternative representation tool further comprises a rendering component configured to provide an alternative representation of a virtual content renderable in the virtual universe to reduce the load on the server in the case that the load on the server exceeds the predefined threshold.

RELATED U.S. APPLICATION DATA

The present patent document is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 12/548,463, filed Aug. 27, 2009, entitled “PROVIDINGALTERNATIVE REPRESENTATIONS OF VIRTUAL CONTENT IN A VIRTUAL UNIVERSE”,the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to virtual universes and morespecifically to the rendering of alternative representations of virtualcontent in a virtual universe.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Virtual universes (VUs) or virtual worlds are computer-based simulatedenvironments intended for its users or residents to inhabit and interactvia avatars, which are personas or representations of the users of thevirtual universes. These types of virtual universes are now most commonin multiplayer online games, such as Second Life®, which is a trademarkof Linden Research Inc. in the United States. Avatars in these types ofvirtual universes, which can number well over a million, have a widerange of business and social experiences.

It is possible for these VUs to be quite complex, with each VU or regionwithin the VU having a large number of avatars, objects, texts andscripts for desired visual and functional effects. As more avatars entera region of land, the VU server has to expend additional centralprocessing unit (CPU) cycles and memory, which creates higher serverload. For each avatar, server CPU resources are required to transmitgeometric information, avatar movements, textural information, as wellas streaming audio and video for the servers' regions. However, if CPUresources required for all avatars exceeds the available CPU resourceson a server, an overload condition may be present causing performancedegradation for users of the VU.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, there is a method for automatically reducing a loadon a server functioning with a virtual universe comprising: detecting aload on a server; determining whether the load on the server exceeds apredefined threshold; and providing an alternative representation of avirtual content renderable in the virtual universe to reduce the load onthe server in the case that the load on the server exceeds thepredefined threshold.

In a second embodiment, there is a computer system for automaticallyreducing a load on a server functioning with a virtual universe. In thisembodiment, the computer system comprises at least one processing unitand memory operably associated with the at least one processing unit. Analternative representation tool is storable in memory and executable bythe at least one processing unit. The alternative representation toolcomprises: a detection component configured to detect a load on aserver; a determination component configured to determine whether theload on the server exceeds a predefined threshold; and a renderingcomponent configured to provide an alternative representation of avirtual content in renderable in the virtual universe to reduce the loadon the server in the case that the load on the server exceeds thepredefined threshold.

In a third embodiment, there is a computer-readable medium storingcomputer instructions, which when executed, enables a computer system toautomatically reduce a load on a server functioning with a virtualuniverse. In this embodiment, the computer instructions comprise: detecta load on a server; determine whether the load on the server exceeds apredefined threshold; and provide an alternative representation of avirtual content renderable in the virtual universe to reduce the load onthe server in the case that the load on the server exceeds thepredefined threshold.

In a fourth embodiment, there is a method for deploying an alternativerepresentation tool for use in a computer system that automaticallyreduces a load on a server functioning with a virtual universe. In thisembodiment, a computer infrastructure is provided and is operable to:detect a load on a server; determine whether the load on the serverexceeds a predefined threshold; and provide an alternativerepresentation of a virtual content renderable in the virtual universeto reduce the load on the server in the case that the load on the serverexceeds the predefined threshold.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a high-level schematic diagram showing a networkingenvironment for providing a virtual universe according to one embodimentof this invention;

FIG. 2 shows a more detailed view of a virtual region shown in thevirtual universe of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a more detailed view of the virtual universe client shownin FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 shows a more detailed view of some of the functionalitiesprovided by the server shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 shows an alternative representation tool according to oneembodiment of this invention that operates in the environment shown inFIG. 1;

FIG. 6 shows a more detailed view of virtual content rendered in a priorart virtual universe;

FIG. 7 shows a more detailed view of an exemplary alternativerepresentation of the virtual content shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 shows a schematic of an exemplary computing environment in whichelements of the networking environment shown in FIG. 1 may operate; and

FIG. 9 shows a flow diagram of a method for providing an alternativerepresentation of virtual content in a virtual universe according toembodiments of the invention.

The drawings are not necessarily to scale. The drawings are merelyschematic representations, not intended to portray specific parametersof the invention. The drawings are intended to depict only typicalembodiments of the invention, and therefore should not be considered aslimiting the scope of the invention. In the drawings, like numberingrepresents like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of this invention are directed to providing alternativerepresentations of virtual content in a virtual universe to reduce theload (i.e., the amount of computing/processing work) on one or moreservers operating with the virtual universe. In these embodiments, analternative representation tool provides the capability to provide analternative representation of virtual content in a virtual universe. Thealternative representation tool comprises a detection componentconfigured to detect a load on the server. A determination component isconfigured to determine whether the load on the server exceeds apredefined threshold. The alternative representation tool furthercomprises a rendering component configured to provide an alternativerepresentation of a virtual content renderable in the virtual universeto reduce the load on the server in the case that the load on the serverexceeds the predefined threshold. By rendering the alternativerepresentation (i.e., modified or simplified) virtual content in thevirtual universe, a potential overload condition can be mitigated.

FIG. 1 shows a high-level schematic diagram showing a networkingenvironment 10 for providing a virtual universe (VU) 12 according to oneembodiment of this invention in which a service for providing analternative representation of virtual content in a virtual universe canbe utilized. As shown in FIG. 1, networking environment 10 comprises aserver 14, which may be an array or grid of multiple servers eachresponsible for managing a portion of virtual real estate within VU 12.A virtual universe provided by a multiplayer online game, for example,can employ thousands of servers to manage all of the virtual realestate. The virtual content of VU 12 is comprised of a number ofobjects, each having associated texts/scripts, defined in a programminglanguage readable by VU 12. The virtual content is managed by server 14and may show up in VU 12 as one or more virtual regions 18. Like thereal-world, each virtual region 18 within VU 12 comprises a landscapehaving virtual content, such as buildings, stores, clubs, sportingarenas, parks, beaches, cities and towns all created by administratorsor residents of the virtual universe that are represented by avatars.These examples of virtual content are only illustrative of some thingsthat may be found in a virtual region and are not limiting. Furthermore,the number of virtual regions 18 shown in FIG. 1 is only forillustration purposes and those skilled in the art will recognize thatthere may be many more regions found in a typical virtual universe, oreven only one region in a small virtual universe. FIG. 1 also shows thatusers operating computers 20A-20C (hereinafter referred generally as 20)interact with VU 12 through a communications network 22 via virtualuniverse clients 24A-24C (hereinafter referred generally as 24) thatreside in computers 20, respectively. Below are further details of VU12, server 14, and virtual universe client 24.

One of the ways that users or administrators can interact with thevirtual universe is to create virtual content for the virtual universe.An illustrative but non-limiting listing of virtual content that can becreated includes items such as apparel for avatars, animations for amultitude of purposes (e.g., advertisements, instructional material,etc.), avatar accessories (e.g., jewelry, hairpieces, clothing, etc.),scripts for performing certain functions in the virtual universes,building components, avatar appearance features, recreational equipment(e.g., bicycles), automobiles, etc. As will be further described herein,embodiments of this invention are directed to providing an alternativerepresentation of these types of virtual content renderable in thevirtual universe to automatically reduce the load on server 14functioning with VU 12.

FIG. 2 shows a more detailed view of what one virtual region 18 in VU 12may comprise. As an example, virtual region 18 shown in FIG. 2 comprisesa downtown office center 26, homes 28, restaurants 30, a supermarket 32and a shopping mall 34 for shopping, and a convention center 36 formeetings and various conventions. Residents or avatars 38, which asmentioned above, are personas or representations of the users of thevirtual universe, roam all about the virtual region by walking, driving,flying or even by teleportation or transportation, which is essentiallymoving through space from one point to another, more or lessinstantaneously. These examples of virtual content in virtual region 18shown in FIG. 2 are only illustrative of some items that may be found ina virtual region and those skilled in the art will recognize that theseregions can have more virtual content that can be found in the realworld, as well as things that do not presently exist in the real world.

FIG. 3 shows a more detailed view of virtual universe client 24 shown inFIG. 1. Virtual universe client 24, which enables users to interact withVU 12, comprises a client management component 40, which managesactions, commands and communications made by a user through computer 20,and information received from the virtual universe through server 14. Arendering engine component 42 enables the user of computer 20 tovisualize his or her avatar within the surroundings of the particularregion of VU 12 that the avatar is presently located. As will be furtherdescribed herein, rendering engine 42 receives an alternativerepresentation of virtual content in VU 12 and renders it for display tothe user of computer 20.

A motion controls component 44 enables the user's avatar(s) to makemovements through the virtual universe. In one embodiment, movementsthrough the virtual universe can include, for example, gestures,postures, walking, running, driving, flying, etc. An action controlscomponent 46 enables the user to perform actions in the virtual universesuch as buying items for his or her avatar or even for their real-lifeselves, building homes, planting gardens, etc. These actions are onlyillustrative of some possible actions that a user can perform in thevirtual universe and are not limiting. A communications interface 48enables a user to communicate with other users of VU 12 throughmodalities such as chatting, instant messaging, gesturing, talking andelectronic mail (e-mail).

FIG. 3 shows the various types of information received by clientmanagement component 40 from the virtual universe through server 14. Inparticular, client management component 40 receives avatar informationabout the avatars that are in proximity to the user's avatar. Inaddition, client management component 40 receives location informationabout the area that the user's avatar is near (e.g., what region or landthe avatar is in), as well as scene information (e.g., what the avatarsees). Client management component 40 also receives proximityinformation, which contains information on what the user's avatar isnear, and virtual content information, which is information about theobjects, texts, and scripts of the virtual content renderable in thevirtual universe. FIG. 3 also shows the movement commands and actioncommands that are generated by the user and sent to the server viaclient management component 40, as well as the communications that canbe sent to the users of other avatars within the virtual universe.

FIG. 4 shows a more detailed view of some of the functionalitiesprovided by server 14 shown in FIG. 1. In particular, FIG. 4 shows avirtual region management component 50 that manages a virtual region(s)within the virtual universe. Virtual region management component 50manages what happens in a particular region, such as the type oflandscape in that region, the number of homes, commercial zones,boutiques, streets, parks, restaurants, etc. Those skilled in the artwill recognize that virtual region management component 50 can managemany other facets within the virtual region.

FIG. 4 shows a network interface 54 that enables server 14 to interactwith virtual universe client 24 residing on computer 20. In particular,network interface 54 communicates avatar, location, scene, proximity,and virtual content information to the user through virtual universeclient 24. The network interface receives movement and action commands,as well as communications from the user via virtual universe client 24.

FIG. 4 also shows an alternative representation tool 53, which providesthe capability to provide alternative representations of virtual contentrenderable in the virtual universe. An illustrative but non-limitinglisting of types of alternative representations of virtual contentrenderable in the virtual universe includes a simplified geometricrepresentation of at least a portion of the virtual content renderablein the virtual universe, a simplified textural representation for atleast a portion of the virtual content renderable in the virtualuniverse, or a modified media stream renderable in the virtual universe.In this embodiment, alternative representation tool 53 resides on thesame computer system as virtual universe client 24. However, it can beappreciated that in other embodiments, alternative representation tool53 may reside on server 14, or reside on separate computers in directcommunication with the virtual universe server 14 and virtual universeclients 24.

As shown in FIG. 4, there are several different databases for storinginformation. In particular, virtual region database 52 storesinformation on all of the specifics in the virtual region that virtualregion management component 50 is managing. Virtual region database 52contains metadata information about the objects, texts and scriptsassociated with the virtual content in the virtual region(s) of VU 12.List of active avatars database 56 contains a list of all the avatarsthat are online in the VU 12, while user database 58 and informationdatabase 60 contain information on the actual human users of VU 12. Inone embodiment, user database 58 contains general information on theusers such as names, email addresses, locales, interests, ages,preferences, etc., while user information database 60 containsadditional information on the users such as billing information (e.g.,credit card information) for taking part in transactions. In anexemplary embodiment, user database 58 contains information about thepriority of each of avatars 38 within region 18 of virtual universe 12.As will be further described below, avatar priority may be used toprioritize access to region 18 in cases of where avatar crowding andperformance degradation are possible.

Asset database 62 contains information on the avatars of the users thatreside in VU 12. In one embodiment, asset database 62 containsinformation on the virtual content within the personal inventories ofeach avatar of the virtual universe. An illustrative but non-limitinglisting of the virtual content that can be present in asset database 62includes avatar accessories (e.g., clothing), virtual pets, vehicles,electronic media (e.g., music files), graphics files, sound files,animations, electronic documents, video files, avatar body parts, avatartools, calling cards, note cards, photos and photo albums, or any othertype of virtual content.

Those skilled in the art will also recognize that databases 56-62 maycontain additional information if desired. Databases 56-62 may beconsolidated into a single database or table, divided into multipledatabases or tables, or clustered into a database system spanningmultiple physical and logical devices. Further, although the aboveinformation is shown in FIG. 4 as being stored in databases, thoseskilled in the art will recognize that other configurations and means ofstoring information can be utilized. For example, databases 56-62 mightreside on the same computers as virtual universe client 24, havecomponents that reside on both server 14 and virtual universe client 24,or reside on separate computers in direct communication with virtualuniverse server 14 and virtual universe client 24.

An avatar transport component 66 enables users to transport, which asmentioned above, allows avatars to transport through space from onepoint to another point, instantaneously. As a result, an avatar couldfor example travel from a business region to an entertainment region toexperience a concert.

An avatar management component 68 logs what the avatars are doing whilein the virtual universe. For example, avatar management component 68 candetermine where each avatar is presently located in the virtualuniverse, as well as what activities it is performing or has recentlyperformed. An illustrative but non-exhaustive list of activities caninclude shopping, eating, talking, recreating, etc.

Because a typical virtual universe has a vibrant economy, server 14 hasfunctionalities that are configured to manage the economy. Inparticular, a universe economy management component 70 managestransactions that occur within the virtual universe between avatars. Inone embodiment, VU 12 will have its own VU currency ($VU) that users payfor with real-life money. The users can then take part in commercialtransactions for their avatars through universe economy managementcomponent 70. For example, a user might want to pay for a service thatautomatically reduces server load by providing alternativerepresentations of virtual content within the virtual universe. In thiscase, the user (via his/her avatar) would make the purchase of thisservice using the $VU. In some instances, the user may want to take partin a commercial transaction that benefits him or her and not an avatar.In this case, a commercial transaction management component 72 allowsthe user to participate in the transaction. For example, while walkingaround a commercial zone, a user may see a pair of shoes that he or shewould like for themselves and not an avatar. In order to fulfill thistype of transaction and others similarly related, commercial transactionmanagement component 72 interacts with banks 74, credit card companies76 and vendors 78.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 5, alternative representation tool 53according to embodiments of the invention will be described in furtherdetail. As shown in FIG. 5, alternative representation tool 53 comprisesa detection component 80 configured to detect a load on server 14. Theload on server 14 is influenced by a multitude of factors existingwithin region 18 including, but not limited to: number of avatars,number and complexity of distinct textures and scripts within region 18,as well streaming audio and visual media. Further, as additional avatarsenter region 18, server 14 is required to expend additional CPU cyclesand memory, which creates load. Detection component 80 is used tomeasure and determine the current or predicted load on server 14, andfunctions with a determination component 82, which determines whetherthe load is presently causing, or likely to cause, an undesirabledegradation in performance. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5,alternative representation tool 53 comprises a determination component82 configured to determine whether the load on server 14 exceeds apredefined threshold. In one embodiment, the predetermined threshold maybe triggered if the CPU resources required for all users of computers20A-20C exceeds the available recourses on server 14, thus causingdegraded server performance. For example, degradation can be detected bydetermining the wall time (i.e., the actual time taken for certainserver operations to complete), and comparing the elapsed wall time forthose operations to previously measured baselines. If performancedegrades below the predetermined threshold for a defined time period, apotential server overload condition is present.

Next, if the predetermined threshold is triggered, alternativerepresentation tool 53 takes steps to self-heal server 14 to preventfailure in overload conditions. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5,alternative representation tool 53 comprises a rendering component 84configured to provide an alternative representation of the virtualcontent renderable in the virtual universe to reduce the load on server14 in the case that the load on server 14 exceeds the predefinedthreshold. In one embodiment, to provide an alternative representation,rendering component 84 is configured to modify the definition of thevirtual content renderable in the virtual universe. As mentioned above,the virtual content of VU 12 may be defined in terms of a virtualreality modeling language, wherein the definition of the virtual contentcomprises programming data necessary for executing the objects, texts,and scripts within virtual universe 12. Rendering component 84 isconfigured to automatically annotate the definition of the virtualcontent renderable in the virtual universe with metadata that identifieshow to modify the virtual content renderable in the virtual universe.For example, when authoring the world, metadata is added to thedefinition that explicitly states how an object, or class of objects isto be displayed to the user.

Consider, for example, the virtual content rendered in a prior artvirtual universe 89 depicted in FIG. 6. Each of objects 90, 91, 92 maybe associated with one or more texts/scripts that affect rendering insome fashion during a session in the virtual universe. In this example,objects 90, 91, 92 are rendered with texts/scripts corresponding tocoloring and visual lighting effects, such as the shadowing caused bythe presence of a virtual sun 93. These effects influence the amount ofmemory required to store the textures/scripts, which in turn influencesthe amount of resources required to transmit the textures/scripts to theclient.

To prevent a potential overload situation due to complex and resourcedemanding virtual content being rendered in the virtual universe,alternative representation tool 53 of the present invention may deny therequest for certain textures/scripts. For example, virtual universeclient 24 may attempt to interpolate the texts/scripts based onsurrounding virtual content, or use modified, simplified texts/scriptsavailable on virtual universe client 24. To accomplish this, as shown inFIG. 7, rendering component 84 enables a reduced load on server 14 bymodifying the definition of the virtual content rendered in the virtualuniverse. Specifically, rendering component 84 annotates the definitionof the texts/scripts associated with the virtual content with metadatathat identifies how to eliminate or modify the visual lighting effectsfrom objects 94, 95, and 96. The modified definition is sent torendering engine 42 (FIG. 3) and rendered to the user of the virtualuniverse as depicted in FIG. 7.

Further, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, to reduce the potential loadon server 14, rendering component 84 is configured to modify thegeometric shape of the objects in the virtual universe. Specifically,rendering component 84 annotates the definition of the objectsassociated with the virtual content with metadata that identifies how toprovide simplified geometric representations of the objects. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 6, object 92 (i.e., an avatar) is shown withcertain geometric dimensions, coloring, and complexity. Renderingcomponent 84 may change the shape of one or more of avatar 96 todecrease the complexity of each object, as well as the resourcesrequired for rendering avatar 96. For example, avatar 96 may be renderedwith non-essential objects removed, such as arms, legs and items avatar96 is wearing or carrying.

In one embodiment, users may tag items and/or parts of buildings andlandscapes that may be removed during times of impending overload. Toaccomplish this, alternative representation tool 53 comprises aselection component 85 (FIG. 5) configured to pre-select objects withinregion 18 of virtual universe 12 that are to be eliminated in the casethat the load on server 14 exceeds the predefined threshold. Selectioncomponent 85 allows users to provide input into the order in which itemsare removed during overload conditions. Therefore, as VU performancedegrades, objects that are pre-selected may be eliminated or modifiedprior to other objects in the region. This pre-selection information maybe stored as metadata associated with each object.

In yet another embodiment, one or more avatars may be denied access to aparticular region of the VU if an overload condition is likely toresult. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, alternative rendingtool 53 comprises a blocking component 86 configured to restrict accessto region 18 of VU 12 in the case that the load on server 14 exceeds thepredefined threshold, or is likely to exceed it in the future. In otherembodiments, avatars could be selectively moved to a different region byblocking component 86 based on a number of metrics or removal rulesincluding, but not limited to: random removal, removal based on theorder of entrance into region 18 (e.g., first in, first out/last in,first out), or removal of avatars within region 18 who appear to beidle.

In another embodiment of this invention, alternative representation tool53 is used as a service to charge fees for providing alternativerepresentations of virtual content in the virtual world. As shown inFIG. 5, alternative representation tool 53 comprises a transactioncomponent 88 configured to charge a fee for providing the alternativerepresentation of virtual content renderable in the virtual universe. Inthis embodiment, the provider of the virtual universe or a third partyservice provider could offer this transaction as a service by performingthe functionalities described herein on a subscription and/or fee basis.In this case, the provider of the virtual universe or the third partyservice provider can create, deploy, maintain, support, etc.,alternative representation tool 53 that performs the processes describedin the invention. In return, the virtual universe or the third partyservice provider can receive payment from the virtual universe residentsvia universe economy management component 70 and commercial transactionmanagement component 72 (FIG. 4).

In still another embodiment, the methodologies disclosed herein can beused within a computer system to provide alternative representations ofvirtual content in the virtual world. In this case, alternativerepresentation tool 53 can be provided, and one or more systems forperforming the processes described in the invention can be obtained anddeployed to a computer infrastructure. To this extent, the deploymentcan comprise one or more of (1) installing program code on a computingdevice, such as a computer system, from a computer-readable medium; (2)adding one or more computing devices to the infrastructure; and (3)incorporating and/or modifying one or more existing systems of theinfrastructure to enable the infrastructure to perform the processactions of the invention.

FIG. 8 shows a schematic of an exemplary computing environment in whichelements of the networking environment shown in FIG. 1 may operate. Theexemplary computing environment 100 is only one example of a suitablecomputing environment and is not intended to suggest any limitation asto the scope of use or functionality of the approach described herein.Neither should computing environment 100 be interpreted as having anydependency or requirement relating to any one or combination ofcomponents illustrated in FIG. 8.

In the computing environment 100 there is a computer 102, which isoperational with numerous other general purpose or special purposecomputing system environments or configurations. Examples of well knowncomputing systems, environments, and/or configurations that may besuitable for use with computer 102 of the present invention include, butare not limited to, personal computers, server computers, thin clients,thick clients, hand-held or laptop devices, cellular telephones,personal digital assistants (PDA), multiprocessor systems,microprocessor-based systems, set top boxes, programmable consumerelectronics, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers,distributed computing environments that include any of the above systemsor devices, and the like.

Computer 102 may be described in the general context ofcomputer-executable instructions, such as program modules, beingexecuted by a computer. Generally, program modules include routines,programs, objects, components, logic, data structures, and so on thatperform particular tasks or implements particular abstract data types.The exemplary computer 102 may be practiced in distributed computingenvironments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices thatare linked through a communications network. In a distributed computingenvironment, program modules may be located in both local and remotecomputer storage media including memory storage devices.

As shown in FIG. 8, computer 102 in the computing environment 100 isshown in the form of a general-purpose computing device. The componentsof computer 102 may include, but are not limited to, one or moreprocessors or processing units 104, a system memory 106, and a bus 108that couples various system components including system memory 106 toprocessor 104.

Bus 108 represents one or more of any of several types of busstructures, including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheralbus, an accelerated graphics port, and a processor or local bus usingany of a variety of bus architectures. By way of example, and notlimitation, such architectures include Industry Standard Architecture(ISA) bus, Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) bus, Enhanced ISA (EISA)bus, Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) local bus, andPeripheral Component Interconnects (PCI) bus.

Computer 102 typically includes a variety of computer readable media.Such media may be any available media that is accessible by computer102, and it includes both volatile and non-volatile media, removable andnon-removable media.

In FIG. 8, system memory 106 includes computer readable media in theform of volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM) 110, and/ornon-volatile memory, such as ROM 112. A BIOS 114 containing the basicroutines that help to transfer information between elements withincomputer 102, such as during start-up, is stored in ROM 112. RAM 110typically contains data and/or program modules that are immediatelyaccessible to and/or presently operated on by processor 104.

Computer 102 may further include other removable/non-removable,volatile/non-volatile computer storage media. By way of example only,FIG. 8 illustrates a hard disk drive 116 for reading from and writing toa non-removable, non-volatile magnetic media (not shown and typicallycalled a “hard drive”), a magnetic disk drive 118 for reading from andwriting to a removable, non-volatile magnetic disk 120 (e.g., a “floppydisk”), and an optical disk drive 122 for reading from or writing to aremovable, non-volatile optical disk 124 such as a CD-ROM, DVD-ROM orother optical media. Hard disk drive 116, magnetic disk drive 118, andoptical disk drive 122 are each connected to bus 108 by one or more datamedia interfaces 126.

The drives and their associated computer-readable media providenonvolatile storage of computer readable instructions, data structures,program modules, and other data for computer 102. Although the exemplaryenvironment described herein employs hard disk 116, a removable magneticdisk 118 and a removable optical disk 122, it should be appreciated bythose skilled in the art that other types of computer readable mediawhich can store data that is accessible by a computer, such as magneticcassettes, flash memory cards, digital video disks, RAMs, ROM, and thelike, may also be used in the exemplary operating environment.

A number of program modules may be stored on hard disk 116, magneticdisk 120, optical disk 122, ROM 112, or RAM 110, including, by way ofexample, and not limitation, an operating system 128, one or moreapplication programs 130, other program modules 132, and program data134. Each of the operating system 128, one or more application programs130 other program modules 132, and program data 134 or some combinationthereof, may include an implementation of the networking environment 10of FIG. 1 including server 14 and virtual universe client 24. In oneembodiment, the one or more application programs 130 include componentsof alternative representation tool 53, such as visual component 80,rendering component 84, and transaction component 88.

The one or more program modules 130 carry out the methodologiesdisclosed herein, as shown in FIG. 9. According to one embodiment, instep S1, a load on the server is detected. In S2, it is determinedwhether the load on the server exceeds a predefined threshold. In S3, analternative representation of a virtual content renderable in thevirtual universe is provided to reduce the load on the server in thecase that the load on the server exceeds the predefined threshold. Theflowchart of FIG. 9 illustrates the architecture, functionality, andoperation of possible implementations of systems, methods and computerprogram products according to various embodiments of the presentinvention. In this regard, each block in the flowchart may represent amodule, segment, or portion of code, which comprises one or moreexecutable instructions for implementing the specified logicalfunction(s). It should also be noted that, in some alternativeimplementations, the functions noted in the blocks may occur out of theorder noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in successionmay, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently. It will also benoted that each block of flowchart illustration can be implemented byspecial purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specifiedfunctions or acts, or combinations of special purpose hardware andcomputer instructions.

Referring back to FIG. 8, a user may enter commands and information intocomputer 102 through optional input devices such as a keyboard 136 and apointing device 138 (e.g., a “mouse”). Other input devices (not shown)may include a microphone, joystick, game pad, satellite dish, serialport, scanner, camera, or the like. These and other input devices areconnected to processor unit 104 through a user input interface 140 thatis coupled to bus 108, but may be connected by other interface and busstructures, such as a parallel port, game port, or a universal serialbus (USB).

An optional monitor 142 or other type of display device is alsoconnected to bus 108 via an interface, such as a video adapter 144. Inaddition to the monitor, personal computers typically include otherperipheral output devices (not shown), such as speakers and printers,which may be connected through output peripheral interface 146.

Computer 102 may operate in a networked environment using logicalconnections to one or more remote computers, such as a remoteserver/computer 148. Remote computer 148 may include many or all of theelements and features described herein relative to computer 102.

Logical connections shown in FIG. 8 are a local area network (LAN) 150and a general wide area network (WAN) 152. Such networking environmentsare commonplace in offices, enterprise-wide computer networks,intranets, and the Internet. When used in a LAN networking environment,the computer 102 is connected to LAN 150 via network interface oradapter 154. When used in a WAN networking environment, the computertypically includes a modem 156 or other means for establishingcommunications over the WAN 152. The modem, which may be internal orexternal, may be connected to system bus 108 via the user inputinterface 140 or other appropriate mechanism.

In a networked environment, program modules depicted relative to thepersonal computer 102, or portions thereof, may be stored in a remotememory storage device. By way of example, and not limitation, FIG. 8illustrates remote application programs 158 as residing on a memorydevice of remote computer 148. It will be appreciated that the networkconnections shown and described are exemplary and other means ofestablishing a communications link between the computers may be used.

An implementation of an exemplary computer 102 may be stored on ortransmitted across some form of computer readable media. Computerreadable media can be any available media that can be accessed by acomputer. By way of example, and not limitation, computer readable mediamay comprise “computer storage media” and “communications media.”

“Computer storage media” include volatile and non-volatile, removableand non-removable media implemented in any method or technology forstorage of information such as computer readable instructions, datastructures, program modules, or other data. Computer storage mediaincludes, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or othermemory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or otheroptical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic diskstorage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which canbe used to store the desired information and which can be accessed by acomputer.

“Communication media” typically embodies computer readable instructions,data structures, program modules, or other data in a modulated datasignal, such as carrier wave or other transport mechanism. Communicationmedia also includes any information delivery media.

The term “modulated data signal” means a signal that has one or more ofits characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encodeinformation in the signal. By way of example, and not limitation,communication media includes wired media such as a wired network ordirect-wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic, RF,infrared, and other wireless media. Combinations of any of the above arealso included within the scope of computer readable media.

It is apparent that there has been provided with this invention anapproach for providing an alternative representation of virtual contentin a virtual universe to automatically reduce the load on the serverfunctioning with the virtual universe. While the invention has beenparticularly shown and described in conjunction with a preferredembodiment thereof, it will be appreciated that variations andmodifications will occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, it isto be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all suchmodifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of theinvention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for automatically reducing a load on aserver functioning with a virtual universe, comprising: detecting a loadon the server; determining whether the load on the server exceeds apredefined threshold; and providing, in response to a determination thatthe load on the server exceeds the predefined threshold, an alternativerepresentation of a virtual content renderable in the virtual universethat reduces the load on the server, wherein a modification order of thealternative representation is pre-selected by a user tagging objectswithin a region of the virtual universe that are to be eliminated. 2.The method according to claim 1, the providing comprising automaticallymodifying a definition of the virtual content renderable in the virtualuniverse.
 3. The method according to claim 1, the alternativerepresentation of the virtual content renderable in the virtual universecomprising at least one of the following: a simplified geometricrepresentation of at least a portion of the virtual content renderablein the virtual universe, a simplified textual representation of at leasta portion of the virtual content renderable in the virtual universe, ora modified media stream renderable in the virtual universe.
 4. Themethod according to claim 1 further comprising restricting access to aregion of the virtual universe in the case that the load on the serverexceeds the predefined threshold.
 5. The method according to claim 4,the restricting comprising selectively moving avatars to a differentregion based on at least one of the following removal rules: randomremoval, removal based on the order of entrance into region, and removalof avatars within a region who appear to be idle.
 6. The methodaccording to claim 1, further comprising pre-selecting objects within aregion of the virtual universe that are to be eliminated in the casethat the load on the server exceeds a predefined threshold.
 7. Themethod according to claim 1 further comprising charging a fee forproviding alternative representations of the virtual content renderablein the virtual universe.
 8. A computer system for automatically reducinga load on a server functioning with a virtual universe, comprising: atleast one processing unit; memory operably associated with the at leastone processing unit; and an alternative representation tool storable inmemory and executable by the at least one processing unit that, whenexecuted by the at least one processing unit, performs a methodcomprising: detecting a load on the server; determining whether the loadon the server exceeds a predefined threshold; and providing, in responseto a determination that the load on the server exceeds the predefinedthreshold, an alternative representation of a virtual content renderablein the virtual universe that reduces the load on the server, wherein amodification order of the alternative representation is pre-selected bya user tagging objects within a region of the virtual universe that areto be eliminated.
 9. The alternative representation tool according toclaim 8, the rendering component configured to automatically modify adefinition of the virtual content renderable in the virtual universe.10. The alternative representation tool according to claim 8, thealternative representation of the virtual content renderable in thevirtual universe comprising at least one of the following: a simplifiedgeometric representation of at least a portion of the virtual contentrenderable in the virtual universe, a simplified textual representationof at least a portion of the virtual content renderable in the virtualuniverse, or a modified media stream renderable in the virtual universe.11. The alternative representation tool according to claim 8 furthercomprising a blocking component configured to restrict access to aregion of the virtual universe in the case that the load on the serverexceeds the predefined threshold.
 12. The alternative representationtool according to claim 11, the blocking component configured toselectively move avatars to a different region based on at least one ofthe following removal rules: random removal, removal based on the orderof entrance into region, and removal of avatars within a region whoappear to be idle.
 13. The alternative representation tool according toclaim 8 further comprising a selection component configured topre-select objects within a region of the virtual universe that are tobe eliminated in the case that the load on the server exceeds apredefined threshold.
 14. The alternative representation tool accordingto claim 8 further comprising charging a fee for providing alternativerepresentations of the virtual content renderable in the virtualuniverse.
 15. A computer-readable medium storing computer instructions,which when executed, enables a computer system to automatically reduce aload on a server functioning with a virtual universe, the computerinstructions comprising: detecting a load on the server; determiningwhether the load on the server exceeds a predefined threshold; andproviding, in response to a determination that the load on the serverexceeds the predefined threshold, an alternative representation of avirtual content renderable in the virtual universe that reduces the loadon the server, wherein a modification order of the alternativerepresentation is pre-selected by a user tagging objects within a regionof the virtual universe that are to be eliminated.
 16. Thecomputer-readable medium according to claim 15, the providing comprisingcomputer instructions for automatically modifying a definition of thevirtual content renderable in the virtual universe.
 17. Thecomputer-readable medium according to claim 15, the alternativerepresentation of the virtual content renderable in the virtual universecomprising at least one of the following: a simplified geometricrepresentation of at least a portion of the virtual content renderablein the virtual universe, a simplified textual representation of at leasta portion of the virtual content renderable in the virtual universe, ora modified media stream renderable in the virtual universe.
 18. Thecomputer-readable medium according to claim 15, further comprisingcomputer instructions for restricting access to a region of the virtualuniverse in the case that the load on the server exceeds a predefinedthreshold.
 19. The computer readable medium according to claim 18, thecomputer instructions for restricting comprising selectively movingavatars to a different region based on at least one of the followingremoval rules: random removal, removal based on the order of entranceinto region, and removal of avatars within a region who appear to beidle.
 20. The computer readable medium according to claim 15 furthercomprising computer instructions for pre-selecting objects within aregion of the virtual universe that are to be eliminated in the casethat the load on the server exceeds a predefined threshold.